Adirondack Rail Trail

A lovely causeway section of the recently opened Adirondack Rail Trail.

In early September, my husband and I rode a section of the Adirondack Rail Trail, starting midway at Saranac Lake.

Saranac depot building at left; Lake Placid depot at right.

We pedaled 9 miles one direction to Lake Placid, eating lunch in the shade at their renovated train depot before returning returning back to the car. The trail was surprisingly busy, not only because of the holiday weekend, but the active local population use it for exercise, whether running, riding, or big-wheel roller blading.

First impressions? Wow, what a gem! Some communities will remove tracks and slap down minimum surface material. The organization dealt with drainage ditches and elevated the surface, layering with adequate stone dust. The ride was impressively smooth. Miles of wooden rail protected most of the trail.

Once back at Saranac Lake we sampled 3-4 miles in the other direction. A highlight was crossing a beautiful causeway! The route continues for another 10 miles - have to ride that portion another time. 

The 34 mile trail will be completed in 2025, from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake in the Adirondack Park. It's a remote trail in sections - primarily because of it's status as a park - passing through forests and by wildly scenic lakes. It would be a fabulous ride during fall foliage.